A Good Beginning has Been Made
Last year, I was struggling with severe stomach issues. I’d been to several doctors and specialists over the course of six months, with no real diagnosis or relief. The gastro challenges I was experiencing included severe reflux. I am a music teacher so the reflux prevented me from performing as needed. September was approaching and I knew I needed to do something as my anxiety was increasing greatly. I knew I wanted to explore the holistic approach, since traditional medicine had not given me any real relief or answers. However, many of the holistic nutrition programs I came across had a New Age approach that was not compatible with my Catholic faith.
I came across Reform Wellness while scrolling through Instagram—its founder, Jackie Mulligan, was tagged in a picture during a Catholic event in NYC. I followed the link to the Reform Wellness website and was so excited by what I found! Here was a holistic wellness program that incorporated my Catholic faith! I requested a consultation and in July 2019, I began working with Traci. Right away, we set goals that supported me as a whole person: not just in nutrition, but in areas of faith and movement as well. For the next month I focused on implementing my protocol which included eating to support my output, foods that served my body, supportive daily movement and really incorporating my faith in the process of healing. I began to intentionally bring it all to prayer: “Jesus, give me strength; I trust in You.” Throughout my time with Reform, I learned how to reflect deeply on my experiences before each session and there was always so much fruit born that way- Traci and I were able to see what was working for me and which pillar we needed to focus on next.
Through Reform, I discovered that my significant stomach issues were due to an imbalance in the bacteria in my gut. Together with Traci and Jackie, we came up with a nurturing protocol specific to me to assist with healing my gut from the inside out. I had been conscious of the food choices I was making in the past and thought I was eating healthy. I had no idea that some healthy foods like certain fruits and vegetables could have been part of what was not serving my system! In addition, I implemented the recommended supplements to “get the monster out” of my gut and begin to heal. Even deeper than the physical healing, I think my biggest takeaway from working with Traci and Jackie was the realization that taking care of myself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary in order to be able to give more of myself. And if I bring all this to prayer, I am never alone in the process.
Now, in January 2020, I feel great! I’m excited to move; I go out for 30-45 minute walks at least three days a week. That time is my time for self-care: I pray the Rosary and listen to podcasts that enrich my Catholic faith. This focus on faith has also helped me to deepen my prayer life and balance my emotions: I feel significantly less anxiety.
Since working with Reform, my victories include having more energy (without coffee!), getting solid sleep, no more sugar cravings or brain fog, better skin and hair, less stress, my digestion is better and I lost weight (back at my wedding weight). I have re-formed how I approach food and nutrition, sleep and stress management. I am active with my students each day during instruction, concerts, performances and field trips. I am also an active member of my parish and community with retreats and events. For a period of time I had anxiety related to participating the way that I wanted to because of how I anticipated my body to feel like. I am now able to evaluate my own needs and make adjustments so that I am supported appropriately. Because of these tools that I have learned, I am better at preparing for, enjoying and recovering from full day events that would have left me overwhelmed, exhausted or that I might have avoided altogether in the past. Most importantly, I now have the tools that I can implement as I continue on my journey toward health and (w)holiness.
“A good beginning has been made. Move forward simply and with confidence, for victory belongs not to the swift but to the faithful. The Holy Spirit will lead us to more concrete actions if we are faithful to a simple beginning.” - St. Louis de Montefort
—Ana Germosen
Queens, New York